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Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

Well when this snow melts my first order of business is to get my trailer brakes squared away. I moved up to a 290da and will be trailering it. The current set-up is surge brakes. I want good brakes and braking ability while backing down the ramp. I am considering adding a elec/hydraulic unit (Brakerite) and bypassing the surge brake actuator. I have also been checking out electric brakes. I see Fulton has electric brake assemblies for boat trailers. They say they are completely waterproof and saltwater tested ( I am in freshwater )This is appealing to just replace the entire assembly on four wheels and have new pads etc. for what a elec/hyd actuator is gonna cost me. Anybody have electric brakes on their trailers ? I will be trailering about every week April - Sept. Thanks for any info.

Re: Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

Well I'm leaning towards straight electrics. Some big name trailer manufacturers are now offering them on boat trailers and I already have a brake controller in my truck. I'll let everyone know how the install goes.

Re: Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

I know that on new trailers surge brakes are not even legal. There's probablly a reason for that?.. Also if you go with electric you can put a WD hitch which will help a bunch with handling. Just faxed my order to Loadmaster for mine an hour ago.

Re: Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

Personally, I would go with electric brakes with hydraulic actuators. I had two loadmaster trailers with straight electric brakes and had problems with shorts in the individual brakes themselves. When it occurred, it left me without brakes and no warning prior to losing them. (almost caused an accident both times) On the second occasion, the short actually started a small fire, which was easily extinguished, but could have been much worse.

I have several friends with electric/hydraulic and they are very pleased with their performance.

Scott

Scott of the most excellent Sea Ray "Destiny"."Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."

Re: Electric trailer brakes or elec/hyd actuator ?

Originally Posted by Quint4

Oh hell who cares...lets go boating !

Well I'm caring about the massive amounts or water in the cockpit.... I've posted my plan and nada, nine, niette, zilch,,,,,, well you get the picture.... picture? Picture?? PICTURES???? that might just be it... I'll get the digital and get busy. I'm on duty for 48hrs but I'll be back after it on Thursday, pix in hand.............................................. .................................................. ........